Parrots are recognizable by their heads and bills. Parrot species sport a nearly endless varieties of plumage, some plain, some quite gaudy, but always interesting. Ironically, a given species' plumage is a for of natural camouflage for its particular habitat.

Nearly all parrots (except those in genus Nestor) mate for life; they imprint on another parrot and stay loyal to it forever. This behavior makes them extremely loyal pets. Another notable feature is their ability to mimic sounds they hear; pet parrots can learn to imitate human speech, a few phrases that are repeated to them over and over.

Native Psittacidae species are found throughout the tropics, and into subtropical areas: South America, the Carribean, Africa, Madagascar, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, the Phillippines, New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand. There is even one species native to the southeastern United States. In a few places (such as Hawaii), pet parrots have escaped and formed large populations in the wild, putting pressure on native birds.

In addition to the ordinary challenges facing wildlife such as habitat loss, their desirability as pets put the stress of poaching on wild populations. A few species are widespread, but many are endangered and some have become extinct.

Subfamily Ariidae (New World Parrots):

Tribe Arini 148 species:

Amazona (Amazon Parrots) are the most likely creature you are likely to think of as a "parrot", since
they are the most widely used as pets.